Chargers-Steelers Souting report

ROETHLISBERGERArmed for glory

Chargers on offense: Who says short people got no reason? San Diego mighty-mite Darren Sproles was outstanding last week filling in for LaDainian Tomlinson as the Chargers dispatched the Colts. The 5-foot-6-inch, 181-pound running back is a special offensive weapon. Sproles has a very quick first step, excellent burst, and ankle-breaking dekes. Sproles is powerfully built and durable. His low center of gravity and quick moves make it tough for defenders to get clean shots. Sproles is a solid receiver and can destroy defenses on screens. Tomlinson (torn groin tendon) is doubtful. Philip Rivers directs the air attack. A feisty cat with a strong, accurate arm, Rivers can carry his team for stretches. He's prone to bad reads, however, and will force passes. Antonio Gates (a receiver trapped in a tight end's body) is the top target. Chris Chambers (good speed and strength) and Vincent Jackson (good size and strength) are capable.

Steelers on defense: Linebackers James Harrison and James Farrior and safety Troy Polamalu embody the best unit in the business. Harrison, the defensive player of the year, has extraordinary explosiveness and versatility. He will run over blockers and pulverize quarterbacks and running backs. The wily Farrior reads, reacts, and rattles. Polamalu and his flying locks own the secondary. He has good cover and ball skills but lives to deliver punishing hits over the middle.

Steelers on offense: Ben Roethlisberger has one of the league's best arms. He can make the deep throw, has nice zip over the middle, and can deliver soft rainbows on short passes and screens. Roethlisberger has excellent pocket presence and seems to have a calming effect on his teammates. The 6-5, 241-pounder doesn't have great mobility but he does have excellent escapability. He will sidestep pass rushers to buy extra time and can fight off sackers with his size and strength. He does have a habit of locking onto his first read. Oftentimes that first read is Hines Ward. A tough and fiery receiver, Ward gives maximum effort on every snap. Ward is strong and fearless over the middle and has the uncanny ability to be open on almost every play. He will draw the ire of unsuspecting defensive backs because of his tenacious, sometimes chippy, downfield blocking. Santonio Holmes (great speed, inconsistent hands) and tight end Heath Miller (big body and soft hands) can move the chains. Fragile tailback Willie Parker is a cutback runner with deceptive speed and home run ability.

Chargers on defense: Defensive end Luis Castillo is an excellent run defender. He sheds blocks quickly and uses power and aggressiveness to cause bumps and bruises. Linebackers Shaun Phillips (he's smart and strong) and Stephen Cooper (he's an aggressive tackler) are versatile. Corners Antonio Cromartie (he's big and fluid) and Quentin Jammer (he's rough and tumble) are first-class.

Specials teams: Chargers punter Mike Scifres was extraordinary against the Colts. He averaged 51.7 yards on six punts. More impressive was that all six were downed inside the 20-yard line. He won't be kicking in San Diego this weekend, however . . . Charger kicker Nate Kaeding missed five FGs between 40-49 yards this season and always looks nervous . . . Sproles is an elite return man . . . Pittsburgh punter Mitch Berger averaged 40.9 yards on 66 punts this season . . . Steeler Jeff Reed connected on 26 of 30 field goals and 34 of 35 extra points . . . Santonio Holmes had pedestrian punt return numbers (34 returns, 6.6-yard average) but is dangerous in the open field.

Miscellany: The Steelers edged the visiting Chargers in the snow and cold Nov. 16 in the only 11-10 game in NFL history. It should have ended 17-10 but Polamalu's TD was disallowed on the game's final play . . . The Steelers' defense allowed an NFL-low 223 points this season.